SAN DIEGO – In a rain-soaked battle at Snapdragon Stadium, the San Diego State Aztecs defeated the Boise State Broncos 17-7, claiming first place in the Mountain West standings. While the weather grounded both offenses, it couldn’t dampen the local interest, with several players from Southwest Riverside County representing both universities.
For Boise State, the local connection featured brothers Jake and Jason Steele, both alumni of Murrieta Valley High School, and running back Sire Gaines, a graduate of Orange Vista High School in Perris. The game was a homecoming for these athletes, playing in front of family, friends, and a strong contingent of local fans who made the trip south.
The miserable conditions forced both teams to rely heavily on their ground attacks. Gaines was a significant part of the Broncos’ offensive plan, making his presence felt throughout the game. The freshman running back was a bright spot for the Boise State offense, rushing for 78 yards on 13 carries. He demonstrated toughness, fighting for extra yards on nearly every touch. One of his notable contributions came on a second-quarter drive where back-to-back runs for first downs moved the Broncos deep into Aztec territory, setting up their only score of the game.
On the other side of the field, San Diego State’s roster also included talent from the region. The Aztecs’ lineup featured Temecula’s Josh Hunter and Kainoa Davis, San Jacinto’s Jelani McLaughlin, and Murrieta’s Jacob Alvarez. While their roles in the game were limited, their inclusion on the roster highlights the area’s growing contribution to the SDSU football program.
The game itself was a defensive struggle defined by the downpour. The Aztecs held Boise State to just 268 total yards and shut them out in the second half. The wet turf made passing nearly impossible, with the teams combining for minimal yardage through the air. Instead, it was a classic, old-school football game decided in the trenches.
Boise State scored its only touchdown in the second quarter on a nine-yard run by Dylan Riley, which tied the game at 7-7. However, San Diego State responded just before halftime with a touchdown run from quarterback Jayden Denegal to take a 14-7 lead.
The second half was a war of attrition. The Broncos’ offense, led by backup quarterback Max Cutforth, could not find its rhythm against the stout Aztec defense. A 47-yard field goal by SDSU in the fourth quarter extended their lead to 17-7, which would hold as the final score.
Despite the loss for the Broncos, the game served as a point of pride for the Southwest Riverside County football community, with local athletes competing at a high level on a nationally televised stage. Next up: San Jose State Spartans at San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday Nov 22, at SnapDragon Stadium in San Diego. As for Boise State, the Broncos will face the Colorado State Rams on Saturday, Nov 22, at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
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